SB408 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William “Bill” M. BeasleySenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Indian Affairs Commission, Kawita Creeks in Russell County recognized, one member from tribe appointed to commission, Sec. 41-9-708 am'd.

Summary

SB408 would recognize the Kawita Creeks of Russell County and require the Governor to appoint one Kawita Creeks representative to the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission.

What This Bill Does

It designates Kawita Creeks of Russell County as a state-recognized Indian tribe and adds one Kawita Creeks representative to the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, appointed by the Governor. That Kawita Creeks seat would have voting rights on the commission and would begin with a four-year initial term, with future terms governed by the same rules as other tribal representatives. Additionally, the bill preserves the commission's structure—representatives from listed tribes plus an at-large member, with the majority of members being Indian, and the commission's power to recognize additional tribes. The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Kawita Creeks of Russell County — they would be state-recognized and receive one voting seat on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, appointed by the Governor, with a four-year initial term.
• Alabama Indian Affairs Commission and other tribal groups — the commission would include Kawita Creeks as one of its tribal representatives and continue to be composed of tribal members and an at-large member, with the majority of members being Indian.

Key Provisions

• Recognizes Kawita Creeks of Russell County as a state-recognized Indian tribe for purposes of representation on the Commission.
• Amends Section 41-9-708 to add a Kawita Creeks representative on the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission.
• The Governor shall appoint one Kawita Creeks member for an initial term of four years, with terms thereafter governed by the same requirements and privileges as other members.
• The Kawita Creeks representative shall have voting powers on the Commission.
• The Commission shall include representatives from the specified tribes (including Kawita Creeks) and an at-large member, with the majority of members being Indian; it may recognize additional tribes.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Russell County